NEW YORK and PORTLAND, Ore., February 4, 2013 – A wide variety of panels, from sessions with cast members from “MTV’s The Real World,” “The Walking Dead” and The Boondock Saints, to interactive Q&A’s with stars like Henry Winkler, Stan Lee, Dean Cain, Morena Baccarin and others highlight the programming offerings at the inaugural Wizard World Portland Comic Con, Feb. 22-24 at the Oregon Convention Center. The diverse schedule also includes portfolio reviews by leading artists, gaming demonstrations, “Creator Spotlights,” an evening concert by James Marsters, evening parties, costume contests and more.

On Friday, Feb. 22, at 6:30 p.m., fans can get a preview of the 28th season of “MTV’s The Real World” – right from the cast. “MTV’s The Real World: Portland Panel Hosted By WWE® Superstar The Miz®” features the seven new “strangers” of The Real World, who are about to stop being polite and start getting real in Portland. Friday also features a Creator Spotlight with the one and only Gail Simone (4:30), portfolio reviews by Glass House Graphics’ David Campiti (6 p.m.) and the Wizard World Portland Comic Con Kick Off Party (8 p.m., Splash Bar, 904 NW Couch St., Portland).

Saturday starts off strong with Winkler, best known to many fans as “The Fonz” on “Happy Days,” hosting a Q&A (11 a.m.). Cain (1 p.m.), Lee (2:30 p.m.) James Hong (3 p.m.), Bruce Campbell (4:30) and “The Walking Dead” stars Norman Reedus and Michael Rooker (5:30 p.m.) will also answer fans’ questions in sessions, while creators like Scott Lobdell, Chris Claremont and Kurt Busiek are among the “Creator Spotlights.” Lee will also conduct two private “meet and greets” (12:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., additional ticket required). CBS Films presents The Last Exorcism Part II star Ashley Bell for a discussion of the upcoming movie (3:30 p.m.). And the fun goes on when the sun goes down with the Adult Costume Contest (7 p.m.), After Party (9 p.m., Holocene, 101 SE Morrison St., Portland) and “Ghost of the Robot” concert featuring Marsters (8 p.m.).

Sunday’s full slate includes Q&As with Boondock Saints stars Sean Patrick Flanery and David Della Rocco (noon), Morena Baccarin (1 p.m.) and the tandem of Marsters and Juliet Landau (2 p.m.), more thought-provoking creator panels, and a slate of “Kids Day” activities, highlighted by the Kids Costume Contest (2 p.m.) and Green Ranger Power Hour with Jason David Frank (2 p.m.).

Unless noted, programming events take place in the designated General Programming Rooms at the Oregon Convention Center. Most are included as part of standard Wizard World Portland Comic Con admission; VIP tickets or additional costs may apply to ensure access to select activities, as noted. Seating for panels is strictly limited and available on a first served basis. Wizard World does not clear panel rooms unless attendee is seated in a section that is marked with a sign at the end of the row reading: “Row Will Be Cleared At The End Of Each Panel.” Programming subject to change; attendees should check the schedule board on site and the Wizard Cons smartphone app for updates.

*Seating for panels is strictly limited and available on a first served basis. each room will be cleared before panels.

Wizard World Portland Comic Con, produced by Wizard World, Inc. (WIZD.PK), will bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. Admission is free for kids 10 and under, and Sunday, Feb. 24, is “Kids Day,” with an array of programming specially designed for children.

About Wizard World:
Wizard World produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests.